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Sheeba Maya

Art Teacher

Sheeba Maya (born in 1979) is a New York artist originally from Washington, D.C. Considered a Master of her craft, she has developed workshops and classes that encourage the beginner and perfect the seasoned artist. Her teaching style is praised for its inviting and nurturing nature that stimulates the creativity of her students, and she is deeply passionate about her art and teaching.

Sheeba has been working as a freelance illustrator, fine artist, graphic designer, and curator in New York, since 2009. Her parents, who are both professional artists, taught her how to draw at a very early age. As a lifelong student, she studied tirelessly on her own before studying art formally at Prince George’s Community College in Maryland, and The Art Institute of Philadelphia. She later studied under Master Artists to hone her illustration and portraiture skills in traditional and digital media.

Sheeba’s classes are as engaging as her artwork. Her personal artwork is inspired by her own spiritual journey, her love of nature and culture, ancient wisdom, and all things mystical. There is magic that lives in her illustrations and her artwork is often described as “otherworldly.” When asked about her artwork, Sheeba shares: ”With my illustrative portraits, I aim to showcase the women of my culture in their most glorious light. The Black woman is often underrepresented/misrepresented, and it is my duty to address this. I want to draw/paint the divine thread that connects us all.”

Sheeba's artwork has been featured in galleries across the country, including: SOMArts Gallery, Rush Arts Gallery, The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, and the Society of Illustrators Museum. As a freelance artist, she has created portraits for political officials, celebrities, corporate figures, as well as illustrations for children’s books, book covers, apparel design, character design, and editorial artwork.